File origin determination

ABSTRACT

A file validation method and system is provided. The method includes retrieving from an authoritative source system, an artifact file. Identification information identifying a requesting user of the artifact file is recorded and associated metadata and a modified artifact file comprising the metadata combined with the artifact file are generated. An encryption key including a first portion and a second portion is generated and the first portion is stored within a central key store database. An encrypted package comprising the modified artifact file and the second portion of the key is generated.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method for determining anorigin of a file, and in particular to a method and associated automatedsystem for fetching an artifact file and generating an encryptedartifact file that includes key attributes for determining a file originin accordance with a licensing agreement.

BACKGROUND

Managing various systems requires software tools from multiple vendorsto be installed by: downloading from the tools a vendor location,executing the tools from a storage disk, and/or retrieving the toolsfrom a third party site. An associated end user license agreement forthe tools may include language requiring a user to determine a locationassociated with receiving the file. In order to maintain legalcompliance with end user license agreements, a user of an originatingorganization downloading the software, must fingerprint the file withkey information to demonstrate that the tool has been captured andinstalled within the terms of the license.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a file validation methodcomprising: retrieving, by a computer processor of a computing systemfrom an authoritative source system, an artifact file; recording, by thecomputer processor, identification information identifying a requestinguser of the artifact file; generating, by the computer processor,metadata describing the information; generating, by the computerprocessor, a modified artifact file comprising the metadata combinedwith the artifact file; generating, by the computer processor, anencryption key comprising a first portion and a second portion; storing,by the computer processor, the first portion of the key within a centralkey store database; and generating, by the computer processor, anencrypted package comprising the modified artifact file and the secondportion of the key.

A second aspect of the invention provides a file validation methodcomprising: requesting, by a computer processor of a computing systemexecuting an agent in response to a request from a requesting user, adetachable fetch software module; retrieving, by the computer processorfrom a service provider computer, the detachable fetch software module;downloading, by the computer processor executing the detachable fetchsoftware module, an artifact file; generating, by the computer processorexecuting the detachable fetch software module, a digital fingerprintassociated with securing the artifact file; and executing, by thecomputer processor, the digital fingerprint with respect to the artifactfile.

A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program product forfile validation, the computer program product comprising: one or morecomputer-readable, tangible storage devices; program instructions,stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to retrievefrom an authoritative source system, an artifact file; programinstructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices,to record identification information identifying a requesting user ofthe artifact file; program instructions, stored on at least one of theone or more storage devices, to generate metadata describing theinformation; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one ormore storage devices, to generate a modified artifact file comprisingthe metadata combined with the artifact file; program instructions,stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to generatean encryption key comprising a first portion and a second portion;program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storagedevices, to store the first portion of the key within a central keystore database; and program instructions, stored on at least one of theone or more storage devices, to generate an encrypted package comprisingthe modified artifact file and the second portion of the key.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of managing various systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for generating an encrypted artifact filethat includes key attributes for determining a file origin in accordancewith a licensing agreement, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system describing an implementation example forimplementing a process for downloading a software tool, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system describing an implementation example forimplementing a process for collecting metadata associated with thedownloaded software tool of FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system describing an implementation example forimplementing a process for generating a detachable fetch module, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for generating an encrypted package, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for distributing the encrypted package generated inFIG. 5, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for generating an encrypted package via a detachablefetch module, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer apparatus for generating an encryptedartifact file that includes key attributes for determining a file originin accordance with a licensing agreement, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for generating an encrypted artifactfile that includes key attributes for determining a file origin withrespect to a licensing agreement, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. System 100 enables a method for generating andencrypting metadata (including attributes) describing a licensingagreement associated with a received executable file. The encryptedmetadata is combined (or wrapped) with the executable file fordistribution. The attributes may comprise:

-   1. Information for identifying a name of a user initiating reception    of the executable file.-   2. An IP address of a computing system (e.g., computing system 5 a    or 5 b) generating and encrypting the metadata.-   3. An identifier for a network (e.g., network 7) receiving the    executable file.

The computing system may transmit the encrypted metadata and anassociated log to a centralized server (e.g., computing system 14). Thelog may indicate that the encrypted metadata was generated successfully.The centralized server may validate that the wrapped executable file hasbeen executed by a computing system and remains in compliance with alicensing agreement. The centralized server may additionally decrypt theencrypted metadata.

The above and other features of the present invention will become moredistinct by a detailed description of embodiments shown in combinationwith attached drawings. Identical reference numbers represent the sameor similar parts in the attached drawings of the invention.

Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combiningsoftware and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred toherein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

System 100 of FIG. 1 includes computing systems 5 a and 5 b and a datastore 19 connected through a network 7 to a computing system 14 (e.g., acentralized server). Network 7 may include any type of networkincluding, inter alia, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), the Internet, a wireless network, etc. Computing systems 5 a and5 b may include any type of computing device or system including, interalia, a computer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, aPDA, a smart phone, etc. Computing system 14 may include any type ofcomputing system(s) including, inter alia, a computer (PC), a laptopcomputer, a tablet computer, a centralized server, etc. Computing system14 includes a memory system 8. Memory system 8 may include a singlememory system. Alternatively, memory system 8 may include a plurality ofmemory systems. Memory system 8 includes software 17.

System 100 enables a process for fingerprinting an artifact file anddetermining that the artifact file conforms to an end user licenseagreement. In order to initiate the process, a specified artifact file(e.g., a software tool, a software application, a binary, a file, etc.)is retrieved via a download or a copy function. In response, a stamp isgenerated around (i.e., wrapped) the file. The artifact file isencrypted with key attributes required for activation by the end userlicense agreement. The encrypted artifact file and key attributes arelogged into data store 19. The key attributes may include, inter alia, acustomer account ID, an IP address, a date and/or time, a location, etc.The encrypted artifact file is wrapped with the encrypted meta-dataresulting in the generation of a portable binary for execution. Afterthe portable binary has been executed, the stamp is validated. Inresponse, computing system 14 transmits results of the executing theportable binary to data store 19. Additionally, system 100 validates thepresence of the artifact file and matches the key attributes to thestamp in order to validate that the fetched components are retrieved.System 100 further generates a decrypted output associated with auditingprocesses.

Therefore, system 100 enables a process that includes:

-   1. Receiving an executable file.-   2. Generating metadata (comprising licensing agreement metadata)    associated with the executable file.-   3. Encrypting the metadata.-   4. Wrapping the encrypted metadata with the executable file.-   5. The encrypted metadata and associated log are transmitted to a    centralized server.-   6. The centralized server validates (in response to the wrapped    executable file being executed) that the execution is associated    with the licensing agreement.-   7. The encrypted metadata is decrypted and outputted for user    validation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 describing an implementation example forimplementing a process for downloading a software tool, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. The process includes a user210 requesting a software tool download from a software tool vendor.System 200 comprises a fetch component 206 a, a wrap component 206 b,and a back-end component 206 c enabling a process for fingerprinting anorigin of a file artifact and maintaining associated records for, interalia, determining appropriate end user license conformance. Althoughsystem 200 in FIG. 2 illustrates fetch component 206 a, wrap component206 b, and back-end (data store) component 206 c residing on a singlecomputer 206, note that the aforementioned components may be distributedacross multiple computers in multiple locations.

Fetch component 206 a fetches a desired artifact file (e.g., a tool,software, a binary, a file, etc.) via a downloading process or a copyprocess with respect to a source computer 202 via a designated network204. Fetch component 206 a is initiated by a user 210 requesting a fileartifact from source computer 202. Additionally, fetch component 206 aretrieves additional user 210 identifying information. The additionaluser 210 identifying information in combination with the retrievedartifact file from source computer 202 is passed to wrap component 206b. In response, wrap component 206 b generates a wrapper (of data)around the file artifact including encrypted key attributes (e.g.customer account ID, to/from IP address, a network used (e.g., network204), a date/time, a location for computer 206, additional meta-data,etc.). The key attributes are encrypted to prevent tampering. The keyattributes may include information required by an end user licenseagreement (EULA) of the file artifact thereby determining end userlicense compliance.

For example, a sample EULA may specify that free utilities (of asoftware application) may not be used with respect to the followingcircumstances:

-   1. Working around technical limitations within binary versions of    the software application.-   2. Reverse engineering, decompiling, and/or disassembling the binary    versions of the software application.-   3. Generating additional copies of the software application with    respect to limitations specified in the EULA.-   4. Publishing the software application for additional users to copy.-   5. Renting, leasing, and/or or lend the software application to    others.-   6. Transferring the software application to any third party.-   7. Using the software application for commercial software hosting    services.

The key attributes are enabled to determine where a file (i.e., thesoftware application) was fetched from (i.e., a host name ip address, aname of the file, a size of file(s), a date time stamp, etc). Forexample, a backend mechanism (e.g., back-end component 206 c) mayretrieve an artifact and generate decrypted meta-data as an output(e.g., the file was downloaded on May 7, 2014 by Mike S from companyA.com [IP: 204.123.123.13] to hostname ABC123 [IP: 9.123.123.123] viasubnet 9.0.0.1, via gateway 9.1.1.2, <other data, as needed>). Inresponse, a fetch module requires a configuration file for translatingnecessary information with respect to what information is needed tosatisfy necessary information for fingerprinting. The configuration filespecifies how many items are necessary for collection and how to collectthe items. The associated information is listed in a specified order foroutput. For example, a configuration/output file may comprise theaforementioned information:

This file was downloaded on May 2014 by Mike S from company A.com [IP:204.123.123.13] to hostname ABC123.company A.com [IP: 9.123.123.123] viasubnet 9.0.0.1, via gateway 9.1.1.2, <other data, as needed>.

A format for the configuration/output file comprises a defined delimiter(e.g., an =sign) and a command to run (e.g., double quotes (“) orbackslash (\)) for specifying how to collect information. An optionaldelimiter may specify where to run the command (e.g., an ntp server).

A dateline associated with the configuration/output file specifies:

-   1. A number of parms (parameters)-   2. A date=ntp server-   3. A name=“who” (returning a name of of a user enabling the fetch    module).-   4. A hostname=parm2 (e.g., fetchpatch parm1, parm2, parm3, etc.).-   5. A hostname ip=“gethostbyip”

The configuration/output is generated during file retrieval and ispre-coded and hidden to prevent spoofing.

Wrap component 206 b transmits the collected data (i.e., associated withthe file artifact) to back-end (data store) component 206 c forhistorical and auditing processes. Additionally, wrap component 206 bgenerates a portable binary file 215 for execution. Portable binary file215 is transmitted to user 210. Portable binary file 215 may be executedon target computers 220. Upon execution, target computers 220 notifiesback-end (data store) component 206 c that portable binary file 215 hasbeen executed. Upon execution, target computers 220 validate an internalstamp and transmit related information to a data store indicatingexecution.

System 200 enables the following processes:

-   1. Validating a file artifact with respect to target computers 220    and generating an alert if the validation fails. Validation may be    determined based on any number of policies and conditions from    meta-data of the file artifact and/or target environments.-   2. Determining (with respect to an audit) that all file artifacts    were fetched with respect to a specified user 210, a specified    network 204, a specified source computer 202, residence on any    number of target computer environments.-   3. Retrieving binary file 215 from target computers 220 and    transmitting binary file 215 to back-end component 206 c to generate    a file artifact output such as, inter alia, a user initiating a    process for retrieving the file artifact, an associated computer for    retrieval, an associated network for retrieval, and file artifact    origination source.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 describing an implementation example forimplementing a process for collecting metadata associated with trackingthe downloaded software tool of FIG. 2, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. The process includes an employee 310interfacing with computer 306 and requesting a file artifact to befetched via fetch component 306 a. While fetch component 306 a retrievesa file artifact for employee 310, information with respect to thetransaction, retrieval, and file artifact is generated. The informationmay include, inter alia, a customer account ID associated with retrievalof the file artifact, an associated IP address and network used, adate/time, a location, etc. A wrap component 306 b transmits theinformation to a back-end (data store) computer 306 c for historical andauditing purposes. Additionally, wrap component 306 b generates aportable binary file execution delivered back to employee 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400 describing an implementation example forimplementing a process for generating a detachable fetch module 411 a,in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 400allows a fetch component 406 a originally residing on a managed serviceprovider (MSP) computer 406 to be detached (in response to a userrequest) and become a standalone fetch component 406 b. A MSP computeris defined herein as a point managed service computer host on a cloud.Fetch component 406 a is detached so that the retrieval of a fileartifact from a vendor system 402 may be performed using a remotecomputer 411 (i.e., from MSP computer 406) and associated network 429,respectively. Standalone fetch component 406 b is delivered back to therequesting user 410 as a portable executable fetch component. User 410enables detachable fetch module 411 a and executed the detachable fetchmodule 411 a from a different computer 411.

Detachable fetch module 411 a retrieves a file artifact on behalf ofuser 410 and generates/extracts information associated with thetransaction, the retrieval, and the file artifact (e.g., a customeraccount ID used to retrieve the file artifact, an IP address and networkused for the retrieval, a date/time, a location, etc.

Detachable fetch module 411 a provides the capability to perform awrapping process resulting in the generation of a newly generatedportable binary file 415 for execution. Portable binary file 415 isdelivered back user 410. Portable binary file 415 is deployed andexecuted within additional target computer environments within a CompanyA. Execution of portable binary file 415 generates an additionalfingerprint certificate 417 and the additional fingerprint certificate417 is provided back to user 410. Fingerprint certificate 417 comprisesdata associated with the file artifact collected in an encrypted formatgenerated during the fetch. Fingerprint certificate 417 is provided toback-end component 406 c for insertion into the data store for long termarchiving.

System 400 includes a computing system 406 associated with a company Acomputing system 411 initiating a process for downloading a softwaretool from a vendor system 402. MSP computing system 406 tracks allsoftware tools being downloaded by all customers accessing system 400.The software tool is downloaded via company A network 429 in accordancewith a licensing agreement associated with the software tool. Theprocess is initiated when a user 410 requests a detachable fetch modulefor retrieving the software tool. In response, a fetch module 406 a isretrieved by computing system 406. A detachable fetch module 411 aassociated with the fetch module 406 a is transmitted to company Acomputing system 411. For example, a user may interact with system 400and use a GUI to request a detachable fetch module. The detachable fetchmodule comprises a form of a file that the user transfers to a targetsystem on a customer's network (e.g., via a network, a file/copy, a USBstick, etc.). The detachable fetch module (i.e., on the target system inthe customer's network) is enabled to download a file from the internet.The detachable fetch module 411 a enables a process for downloading thesoftware tool to company A computing system 411. In response, thedetachable fetch module 411 a generates a binary and associatedfingerprint related to the software tool and the fingerprint istransmitted to MSP computing system 406. The detachable fetch module 411a comprises detachable functionality such that it may be enabled toretrieve an artifact (e.g., the software tool) from a remote location.The artifact is retrieved from a remote location because (in a managedservices provider (MSP) environment) the system 400 may not be installedon a customer's network. Therefore, a detachable method enables thesystem 400 to reside on a MSP network to download (fetch) a file fromthe customer's network. System 400 enables a detached mode forretrieving the detachable fetch module 411 a by retrieving thedetachable fetch module 411 a and transmitting a request for a detachedfetch component 406 b. In response, system 400 receives input data fromthe user 410 authorizing the user 410 to enable the (single use)detachable fetch module 411 a movable to a remote location and enabledto fetch an artifact such as the software tool. The detachable fetchmodule 411 a comprises data associated with the user 410. The dataenables a fingerprinting process associated with the artifact. Uponconclusion of the fingerprinting process, a fingerprint output file isgenerated and transmitted to computing system 406 for use by a centraldata store.

FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for generating an encrypted package, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. Each of the steps in thealgorithm of FIG. 5 may be enabled and executed in any order by acomputer processor executing computer code. In step 500, program coderetrieves (from an authoritative source system) an artifact file suchas, inter alia, a software tool. In step 502, program code recordsinformation associated with a requesting user of the artifact file. Theinformation may include, inter alia, a Website URL, a requester ID, asubnet associated with retrieving the artifact file, etc. The recodingprocess may include recording data associated with the requesting user,the artifact file, and the computing system. In step 504, program codegenerates metadata comprising the information recorded in step 502. Themetadata may include licensing information associated with the artifactfile. In step 508, program code generates a modified artifact filecomprising the metadata combined with the artifact file. In step 512,program code generates an encryption key. In step 514, program codesplits the encryption key into a first portion and a second portion. Instep 518, program code stores the first portion of the key within acentral key store database. In step 520, program code generates anencrypted package that includes the modified artifact file and thesecond portion of the key via split key encryption. Alternatively, apublic/private key may be enabled such that the first portion and secondpotion of the key are used in a mathematical operation to retrieve aprimary key.

FIG. 6 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for distributing the encrypted package generated inFIG. 5, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each ofthe steps in the algorithm of FIG. 6 may be enabled and executed in anyorder by a computer processor executing computer code. In step 600,program code receives a request for distribution of an encrypted package(i.e., the encrypted package of step 520 of the algorithm of FIG. 5)from a user. In step 602, program code determines that the user isauthorized to access the encrypted package via fingerprint storeinformation. The fingerprint store information may be stored as a tablereserved for packages generated for specified clients. A data store, keystore, and interface may be stored on a single client network such thata client needs to be able to prove where files came from. Alternatively,data store, key store, and interface may be split between a client andan MSP. In step 604, program code retrieves (in response to results ofthe authorization of step 602) the first portion of the key (of step 518of FIG. 5) from the central key store database. In step 608, programcode receives a user request for installing the artifact file (of step500 of FIG. 5). In step 612, program code combines the first portion ofthe key with the second portion (of step 514 of FIG. 5) of the keycomprised by the package. In step 614, program code decrypts (inresponse to results of step 612) the encrypted package resulting in adecrypted package comprising the modified artifact file. In step 618,program code stores the artifact file in a computing system. In step620, program code stores (as a hidden file) the metadata (of step 504 ofFIG. 5) with the installed artifact file. In step 622, program codevalidates (based on the metadata) an origin of the artifact file byrunning the artifact file through the central key store database.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative algorithm from the algorithm of FIG. 5detailing a process flow enabled by system 400 of FIG. 4 for generatingan encrypted package via a detachable fetch module, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Each of the steps in the algorithmof FIG. 7 may be enabled and executed in any order by a computerprocessor executing computer code. In contrast to the algorithm of FIG.5, the algorithm of FIG. 7 enables a detachable fetch module withrespect to a services provider model. For example, system 400 resides ona service provider network and files are to be retrieved files withrespect to customers from an external customer network. Therefore, thedetachable fetch module enables a detached fetch mode for retrieving thefile from the customer network.

In step 700, program code requests (via execution of an agent inresponse to a request from a requesting user) a detachable fetchsoftware module. In step 702, program code retrieves (from a serviceprovider computer) the fetch software module. In step 704, program codedownloads (via execution of the detachable fetch software module) anartifact file. In step 708, program code generates a digital fingerprintassociated with securing the artifact file (i.e., an encrypted packageis generated) as described with respect to steps 504-520 of FIG. 5,supra. In step 712, program code executes the digital fingerprint withrespect to the artifact file.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 for generating an encryptedartifact file that includes key attributes for determining a file originin accordance with a licensing agreement, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. The computer system 90 includes a processor91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupledto the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard,a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc. The output device 93 may be,inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, aremovable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, anoptical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc(DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of FIGS. 5-7) forgenerating an encrypted artifact file that includes key attributes fordetermining a file origin in accordance with a licensing agreement. Theprocessor 91 executes the computer code 97. The memory device 94includes input data 96. The input data 96 includes input required by thecomputer code 97. The output device 93 displays output from the computercode 97. Either or both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or moreadditional memory devices not shown in FIG. 8) may include thealgorithms of FIGS. 5-7 and may be used as a computer usable medium (ora computer readable medium or a program storage device) having acomputer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other datastored therein, wherein the computer readable program code includes thecomputer code 97. Generally, a computer program product (or,alternatively, an article of manufacture) of the computer system 90 mayinclude the computer usable medium (or the program storage device).

In some embodiments, rather than being stored and accessed from a harddrive, optical disc or other writeable, rewriteable, or removablehardware memory device 95, stored computer program code 84 (e.g.,including the algorithms of FIGS. 5-7) may be stored on a static,nonremovable, read-only storage medium such as a Read-Only Memory (ROM)device 85, or may be accessed by processor 103 directly from such astatic, nonremovable, read-only medium 85. Similarly, in someembodiments, stored computer program code 84 may be stored ascomputer-readable firmware 85, or may be accessed by processor 103directly from such firmware 85, rather than from a more dynamic orremovable hardware data-storage device 95, such as a hard drive oroptical disc.

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service supplier who offers to for generate an encryptedartifact file that includes key attributes for determining a file originin accordance with a licensing agreement. Thus the present inventiondiscloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting,maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, includingintegrating computer-readable code into the computer system 90, whereinthe code in combination with the computer system 90 is capable ofperforming a method for generating an encrypted artifact file thatincludes key attributes for determining a file origin in accordance witha licensing agreement. In another embodiment, the invention provides amethod that performs the process steps of the invention on asubscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a servicesupplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer to generate anencrypted artifact file that includes key attributes for determining afile origin in accordance with a licensing agreement. In this case, theservice supplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a computerinfrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for oneor more customers. In return, the service supplier can receive paymentfrom the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/orthe service supplier can receive payment from the sale of advertisingcontent to one or more third parties.

While FIG. 8 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 8. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A file validation method comprising: retrieving, by a computer processor of a computing system from an authoritative source system, an artifact file; recording, by said computer processor, identification information identifying a requesting user of said artifact file; generating, by said computer processor, metadata describing said identification information; generating, by said computer processor, a modified artifact file comprising said metadata combined with said artifact file; generating, by said computer processor, an encryption key comprising a first portion and a second portion; storing, by said computer processor, said first portion of said key within a central key store database; and generating, by said computer processor, an encrypted package comprising said modified artifact file and said second portion of said key.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said computer processor from said user, a request for distribution of said encrypted package; determining, by said computer processor, that said user is authorized to access said encrypted package; and retrieving, by said computer processor in response to results of said determining, said first portion of said key from said central key store database.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving, by said computer processor from said user, a request for installing said artifact file; combining, by said computer processor, said first portion of said key with said second portion of said key comprised by said package; decrypting, by said computer processor in response to results of said combining, said encrypted package resulting in a decrypted package comprising said modified artifact file; installing, by said computer processor in an external computing system, said artifact file; and storing, by said computer processor as a hidden file, said metadata with said installed artifact file.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: validating, by said computer processor based on said metadata, an origin of said artifact file, wherein said validating comprises running said encryption key through said central key store database to retrieve said origin via said metadata.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said information comprises data selected from the group consisting of a URL associated with a browser said computing system, an n identification for said user, and a subnet used to perform said retrieving.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said recording comprises: recording an ID for said requesting user; recording a Website URL associated with retrieving said artifact file; and recording a subnet ID for said computing system.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said identification information comprises a name of said requesting user, an email address of said requesting user, and employee related information associated with said requesting user.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein data associated with said artifact file comprises an IP address of said authoritative source system, a date and time of requesting said artifact file, and a file size of said artifact file.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein data associated with said computing system comprises an IP address of a destination system for said artifact file and a subnet associated with said artifact file.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said metadata defines terms describing a license agreement of said artifact file.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing at least one support service for at least one of creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deploying computer-readable code in the computing system, said code being executed by the computer processor to implement said retrieving, said recording, said generating, said metadata, said generating said modified artifact file, said generating said encryption key, said storing, and said generating said encrypted package.
 12. A file validation method comprising: requesting, by a computer processor of a computing system executing an agent in response to a request from a requesting user, a detachable fetch software module; retrieving, by said computer processor from a service provider computer, said detachable fetch software module; downloading, by said computer processor executing said detachable fetch software module, an artifact file; generating, by said computer processor executing said detachable fetch software module, a digital fingerprint associated with securing said artifact file; and executing, by said computer processor, said digital fingerprint with respect to said artifact file.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said detachable fetch software module comprises a single use only software module.
 14. A computer program product for file validation, the computer program product comprising: one or more computer-readable, tangible storage devices; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to retrieve from an authoritative source system, an artifact file; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to record identification information identifying a requesting user of said artifact file; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to generate metadata describing said identification information; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to generate a modified artifact file comprising said metadata combined with said artifact file; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to generate an encryption key comprising a first portion and a second portion; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to store said first portion of said key within a central key store database; and program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to generate an encrypted package comprising said modified artifact file and said second portion of said key.
 15. The computer program product of claim 14, further comprising: program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to receive from said user, a request for distribution of said encrypted package; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to determine that said user is authorized to access said encrypted package; and program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to retrieve in response to results of determining that said user is authorized to access said encrypted package, said first portion of said key from said central key store database.
 16. The computer program product of claim 15, further comprising: program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to receive from said user, a request for installing said artifact file; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to combine said first portion of said key with said second portion of said key comprised by said package; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to decrypt in response to results of combining said first portion of said key with said second portion of said key, said encrypted package resulting in a decrypted package comprising said modified artifact file; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to install in an external computing system, said artifact file; and program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to store as a hidden file, said metadata with said installed artifact file.
 17. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising: program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to validate based on said metadata, an origin of said artifact file by running said encryption key through said central key store database to retrieve said origin via said metadata.
 18. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein said information comprises data selected from the group consisting of a URL associated with a browser said computing system, an n identification for said user, and a subnet used to perform said retrieving.
 19. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein said program instructions to record said information comprises: program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to record an ID for said requesting user; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to record a Website URL associated with retrieving said artifact file; and program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices, to record a subnet ID for said computing system.
 20. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein said metadata defines terms describing a license agreement of said artifact file. 